Arsenal contract saga with Theo Walcott almost reaches a conclusion

onJanuary 9, 2013

Arsenal’s long struggle to tie down contract rebel Theo Walcott to a long term deal at the Emirates seems to be nearing an end, with reports in the Daily Mail claiming that the Englishman is on the verge of signing a five-year contract with the North London club worth £25 million.

The 23 year-old’s current contract expires at the end of the season and Arsene Wenger had been fervently trying to convince the winger to pen a new deal with the Gunners. The Frenchman’s efforts seem to have borne fruit with Walcott agreeing to an £88,000-a-week pay package in addition to a £3 million signing bonus.

Walcott has been one of Arsenal’s top performers this season and despite being overlooked for much of the early season, he has emerged as their topscorer with 14 goals to his name so far. The English international also wanted to move into a central striker’s role and Wenger seems to have been compelled to accede to the forward’s demands.

Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool were keen on securing the player’s services but Theo looks set to remain a Gunner for a long time to come. Wenger seems intent on finalizing the deal at the earliest and shift his focus towards strengthening the remainder of his squad in a bid to improve upon their mediocre showing in the season so far.